This is an issue that strikes a particular chord with me. As our society becomes more tolerant along racial lines, we are also becoming more intolerant of differences in socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and religion. It is important to educate students at a young age that intolerance and prejudicial feelings surrounding any differences among students are not only wrong at their core, but are circular in nature and can do damage also to the child who holds that prejudice.
Programs that are bias-free and educate on diversity issues should be standardized and consistent within the district. Positive role models in different fields and of different backgrounds are also exceedingly important and should be invited to speak with students during special assemblies or, in addition, during regular class time set aside for such purposes.
